Agree or Disagree

[QuadManiac]

Not putting a vehicle with an engine at full throttle in neutral is somewhat instinctive, and they would have to fight those first instincts. I have seen it on the race track, and real life drivers aren't as experienced, in general, as race drivers.

race drivers AND, I would have expected, a long time California Highway Patrol officer - whose job was driving and, as I recall, is trained in the art of driving as part of the job.

It's beyond me how, with his experience, he couldn't have stopped that car ... but somehow, he was not able to. That is the issue in all this that worries me the most. I suggest we all plan ahead and practice for unexpected situations.

[Firefly]

I suggest we all plan ahead and practice for unexpected situations.

Glad they have a video online for people----I like how she makes sure that people know that 'N' is for neutral. From the tone of the video - it seems they are aware that common sense is in short supply these days----

[NancysToy]

Glad they have a video online for people----I like how she makes sure that people know that 'N' is for neutral. From the tone of the video - it seems they are aware that common sense is in short supply these days----

You hit the nail right on the head, my friend!

[boborgera]

Glad they have a video online for people----I like how she makes sure that people know that 'N' is for neutral. From the tone of the video - it seems they are aware that common sense is in short supply these days----

Most people don't know what 1 and 2 are for let alone N.
I see most drivers going down hills in snow/ice riding their brakes instead
of dropping the trans. into 2 or 1 to slow down.

P/S = Auto trans / Power steering / Power brakes, should be outlawed.
That alone will get most idiots off the roads.

[Firefly]

Most people don't know what 1 and 2 are for let alone N.
I see most drivers going down hills in snow/ice riding their brakes instead
of dropping the trans. into 2 or 1 to slow down.

P/S = Auto trans / Power steering / Power brakes, should be outlawed.
That alone will get most idiots off the roads.

Good ideas.

Most shouldn't be driving at all IMO.

We got some decent snow and icy roads right now and it's a regular idiot festival outside. People gunning their gas trying to get their car to move on ice just drives me NUTS.

[Way2Fast]

Depending on the vehicle, putting the transmision in neutral might not be as easy as it seems. Some vehicles have a "sport" or manual mode which requires all shifts to be made by steering wheel paddles. With this application the vehicles computer will not allow a manual downshift to occur above a certain speed. Hence, you are not able to downshift to get into neutral with a runaway throttle. The Lexus the retired police officer was driving may have had the paddle shifters which might have prevented him from reaching neutral without first doing back into standard "drive" mode......just an possibility.

[Smylinacha]

Most people don't know what 1 and 2 are for let alone N.
I see most drivers going down hills in snow/ice riding their brakes instead
of dropping the trans. into 2 or 1 to slow down.

P/S = Auto trans / Power steering / Power brakes, should be outlawed.
That alone will get most idiots off the roads.

My Charger has a paddle shifter on it - I rarely put it in Drive and drive it that way. All my other cars were standards. I think it is better to shift it yourself - gives you more control of the vehicle.

[2333]

Two things. On the original post, I am with you MO. On the Toyota thing, I think I read that the friction device that is sticking was put in to give drivers more "feel" at the pedal. Why was more feel needed? Because the car is drive by wire.

[krb1945]

RShrimpfor reminding me that some of the new models have started using 40's and 50's push to start again. I hope they don't go back to the floor model foot starter again.

I guess if I had one of the push to start models I'd probably install a "dead mans" switch on the dash.

There is validity to the old adage "history repeats its self". /Ken

[NancysToy]

RShrimpfor reminding me that some of the new models have started using 40's and 50's push to start again. I hope they don't go back to the floor model foot starter again.

I guess if I had one of the push to start models I'd probably install a "dead mans" switch on the dash.

There is validity to the old adage "history repeats its self". /Ken

There is a difference in the old "push-to-start" models and those of today. On the old ones, like my 53 F-100, you pushed to start, but turned the ignition on and off with the key switch. These new ones have you push and hold the button, from what I have read. I hope I am dead and gone by the time "thumbprint identification" models become standard. I agree about the kill switch.

[obiwanbill]

Problem with all the sensors and computers is that if/when something shorts out, it will cost a fortune to fix. Thank Gawd for the extended warranties

[bone crusher]

I think the automotive industry (motorcycle included) was better off maybe 20 years ago when on board computers only controlled fuel handling and emissions, and not when to accelerate, brake, or steer. With all the recent recalls and problems you would think we would have learned something from Microsoft and Windows, computer systems crash. Just think of how much this technical advancement have added to the cost of a vehicle. Maybe I'm old fashioned but somethings I prefer to control myself. For those of you chose to tell me how crazy or not I am please include if you consider yourself a Gearhead or not.

I agree...sometimes less is better...the old BMWs with mechanical 4 wheel drive vs. all the fancy stuff now...they still work great...(late 1980s).

Some is good, but not everything controlled by electronics...sure glad we have a key to start our bike...that's a nice convenience...